Indian Railways is set to embark on a groundbreaking journey with the trial of its first hydrogen-powered train on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana this December. This trial represents a milestone in the nation’s efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. The train, developed at the Integral Coach Factory in Tamil Nadu, is designed to run at speeds of up to 140 km/h and operates using hydrogen fuel cells, which convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, emitting only water vapour—a leap toward eco-friendly transportation.
In addition to this prototype, Indian Railways is also retrofitting a Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) rake with hydrogen fuel cell technology as part of a pilot project costing ₹111.83 crores, which includes setting up necessary infrastructure. This retrofitted train will also operate on the Jind-Sonipat route, further expanding the scope of hydrogen-based solutions.
Looking forward, Indian Railways plans to deploy 35 hydrogen-powered trains across its network by 2025, with each train costing approximately ₹80 crores. Infrastructure upgrades per route will demand an additional ₹70 crores, focusing on heritage and hilly areas.
India joins global pioneers like Germany and China in adopting hydrogen-powered trains. Although initial costs may be high, economies of scale promise a reduction over time, positioning hydrogen trains as a sustainable and efficient green transport solution for the future.
